Alcohol and Panic Attacks

Within these pages you will find articles, reviews & resources concentrating on self help for Sufferers of Anxiety, OCD, Depression & Panic Attack Disorders

Many experts believe and also agree that there is a strong link between drinking alcohol and panic attacks. This is not to say that the attacks can be brought on by alcohol alone however.

This is not to say that the attacks can be brought on by alcohol alone however. The disorders themselves often have stress related illnesses or hereditary factors which form the basis of the attack, however it is believed that alcohol is often used regularly by some sufferers of panic and anxiety, which in turn can turn the disorder into a larger issue.

The use of alcohol in relation to these sufferers can manifest in a greater number of attacks that person may encounter. In the paragraphs to follow we delve deeper into the reasons why most medical professionals are agreed on the theory that those who suffer with these disorders should cut alcohol out of their routine.

There are many products which aim to relieve the symptoms of panic and anxiety, some of them medications (from your GP or across the counter), some of them more natural (self help courses and meditation techniques). The main issue is however than none of them work as well and as expediently as alcohol does. This given, for many of those who suffer symptoms, alcohol and panic attacks are common bedfellows. Treating the panic and anxiety in this way however will only serve to increase the amount and also the severity of any future attacks, as the dependency increases. In short panic attacks and alcohol do not mix.

Given the above, it is then even more unfortunate that recent statistics suggest it is close to 40 percent of all people who suffer from either panic or anxiety will also be struggling to keep on top of their alcohol or substance abuse. The link between the two is a very strong one, for which there have been many in depth theories. To over simplify however - alcohol is a depressant, it is readily available and very good at its job. It will work quickly in the blood stream to provide a bogus sense of relief for the symptoms of anxiety or panic. For regular anxiety sufferers this feeling of relaxation can become addictive, so much so that when they start to feel the symptoms come on again, they repeat the process in order to banish their anxiety.

Unsurprisingly this method of treatment has its own issues and it’s important to realise that alcohol and panic disorders do not sit well together. Firstly, although the alcohol will work at speed to calm the nerves and momentarily stop the onslaught of the anxiety symptoms, it will also disappear from the body at quick pace also. Sufferers may use alcohol in the evening, and will in turn gain short term relief for their symptoms, however once the morning comes and the alcohol is no longer present in the bloodstream, the panic or anxiety may still be present and starts all over again. In most cases the symptoms will also be stronger, particularly when accompanied by a hangover. This, in turn will have sufferers reaching for the alcohol earlier and earlier during the day in an attempt to handle the symptoms of anxiety and panic. Eventually this need can become an addiction.

Another issue (and possibly a bigger issue then the above) with the paring of alcohol and anxiety, is that of tolerance. If alcohol is used by the sufferer over any length of time, their body will eventually become used to the effects which can drive them to start drinking more to get the same results that they previously benefitted from. To begin with, a couple of drinks may be enough to relax and calm the nerves but in time the body will need more and more to achieve this same state of calm. Continued and increased use can lead to addiction and also long term health problems.

To summarise - alcohol and anxiety or panic attacks, do not, and should not - go together. Whilst the short term benefits are immediate and successful, in the long term the use of alcohol to tackle these disorders can result in addiction, health problems and possible further complications to the very disorder it is trying to alleviate.

If you need relief from your panic attacks or continued anxiety, try turning to a more natural alternative. Alcohol is certainly not the solution, nor is it the way forward!